OK to resume extracurriculars, federation tells teachers

Ontario’s high school teachers union has called on its members to suspend their boycott of extracurriculars.

A vote by the union’s provincial council this afternoon quickly flooded social media as students cheered the news and teachers expressed cautious optimism.

“This is great news for all students. Youth are beyond ecstatic to that their voices are finally being heard,” said Rhiannon Kyle, prime minister of the York Region presidents’ council.

“Social media forums are exploding with joy about returning clubs/teams. Today is a celebration for youth everywhere.”

"We are very happy to hear that students will be getting extracurricular activities back as they are a crucial part of education," said Kara Waites, from St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School in Aurora.

It’s uncertain when or even if all teams and clubs will return, as the before and after-school activities are voluntary and many teachers have been firm on their demand for collective bargaining before resuming them, but federation president Ken Coran said this afternoon it’s up to teachers to decide if they are “willing to return to participating in the activities we know they feel so passionately about.

“We expect that this sign of good will from our members will prompt the government to have genuine discussions that can lead to a fair resolution to this current impasse.”

“I’m happy to hear the results of today’s vote by OSSTF members and I’m so glad that teachers, support staff and students across the province will once again enjoy the extracurricular activities and programs that mean so much to them,: Premier Kathleen Wynne said. "I’ve been clear that this issue needs to be addressed within Ontario’s existing fiscal framework. But I am confident that our government’s commitment to fairness, consistency and respect in our conversations with OSSTF and all our partners will continue to result in real work being done for the people of Ontario.”